The United States has strongly condemned the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE, whose body was discovered by authorities on Sunday. The expatriate had been reported missing since Thursday. The UAE swiftly arrested three suspects from Uzbekistan later on Sunday and disclosed their identities on Monday afternoon, along with their photographs.

A spokesperson from the US National Security Council issued a statement expressing condolences to Rabbi Kogan's family, the Chabad-Lubavitch community, the Jewish community, and all those grieving his death. The US described the killing as a 'crime against peace, tolerance, and coexistence,' emphasizing that it was an attack on the UAE's stance against violent extremism.

'We condemn in the strongest terms the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE, and our prayers are with his family, the Chabad-Lubavitch community, the broader Jewish community, and all who are mourning his loss. This was a horrific crime against all those who stand for peace, tolerance, and coexistence. It was an assault as well on UAE and its rejection of violent extremism across the board,' read the statement.

The statement further confirmed that the US government is working closely with Israeli and UAE authorities, offering all necessary support. 'The United States is working in close coordination with Israeli and UAE authorities, and we have offered all appropriate forms of support. We commend the rapid efforts of UAE authorities, who now have suspects in custody. Those who carried out this crime, and anyone supporting them, must be held fully accountable,' it added.

Kogan, an outreach rabbi with the Chabad movement, was based in Abu Dhabi. In addition to his outreach work, the 28-year-old also managed a kosher grocery store. He leaves behind his wife, who is a US national. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, released a statement expressing his devastation at the news of Kogan's murder. 'I am absolutely devastated to learn about the barbaric and senseless murder of Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife — a native New Yorker — his entire family, and the Jewish community who is grieving right now.'

The UAE authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the three accused individuals and are preparing to refer them to the Public Prosecution.

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